A Guide To American Wandlore

American Wand Cores Part 1

Common and Uncommon cores

Thunderbird tail feather - One of the most powerful cores available, Thunderbird feathers are common in the United States, due to the growing population, and make for mighty wands with power and range rivaling that of the British Phoenix feather wands. Thunderbird feather core wands are incredibly powerful in most if not all areas of magic and are especially good for transfiguration magic and any magic to do with weather, electricity, air, and travel. Owners may have an exceptional talent for flying. As powerful as these wands can be, Thunderbird feather wands are uniquely difficult to master, perhaps retaining the original creature's independent nature and can cast curses on their own. Though, they have been known to favor new masters either closely related to, or closely associated with their current master. However, once mastered, they bond with their owner for life and their allegiance is almost certain to never change. Like Thunderbirds themselves, these wands can sense danger and may preemptively cast curses to protect themselves and their owner, acting independently. They do this by emitting a small amount of electricity and glowing gold. They also have a hidden defense mechanism: anyone who attempts to pick them up, who they do not recognize as their master, will receive a small electric shock.

It is very rare to be chosen by a thunderbird wand, even though most of those that match the core's preferences aren't chosen, these wands wait for someone truly extraordinary, with the potential for greatness. Thunderbird feather wands seek owners with an adventurous spirit, as extraordinarily free and independent as the creature they came from. These wixes are natural travelers and loath having to stay put, always aching to explore the next horizon. Daring, wise, adventurous, and curious, they refuse to hold still or conform to any stifling rulesets. With the soul of a wanderer and the skills to seek the unknown, these individuals were born to run. When paired with the right wood, it can pack a more serious punch than that of the more common wand cores. Because of this, wands with this core have been banned from official dueling tournaments in Europe. But not in the United States.

Horned Serpent horn - a highly diverse core, as there are multiple species of water serpent capable of supplying cores. Broadly speaking, saltwater species produce more playful and powerful cores, while those from freshwater species have a slightly darker bent and excel with boundary and transitional magic. Both types are smooth casters with a knack for water magic. They tend to select quiet, secretive masters who often surprise those around them. This core is exceptionally powerful, sensitive to Parseltongue, vibrates when Parseltongue is being spoken, and can warn its owners of danger by emitting a low musical tone. Horned serpent horn wands seek owners with great intellect and erudition and wear their hearts on their sleeves. They are sensitive and are not afraid to be vulnerable. They are vocal when it comes to their feelings and do not keep much to themselves. You will always know where you stand with a horned serpent wand owner. They may take other people's honesty for granted and can come off as gullible or naive. They like to use their creativity and inventing skills to help others. They have talents when it comes to raising vegetables and fruits. Producing their own food and cooking are common hobbies. They love to share food with others and see it as a bonding experience. Performing magic that delights the owner, the wand may emit a whole rainbow of sparks.

Unicorn hair - It generally produces the most consistent magic and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Wands with unicorn cores are usually the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. They are the most faithful of all wands and usually remain strongly attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch or wizard. Minor disadvantages of unicorn hair are that they do not make the most powerful wands (although the wand wood may compensate) and that they are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, meaning that the hair may 'die' and need replacing.